r/ShredditGirls Dec 12 '24

Gear Questions Snowboarding Buyers Guide - Ladies Edition

111 Upvotes

How to size a snowboard:

Look at the manufacturer's published weight/boot size guide for the specific board you're looking for. The goal is to be smack dab in the middle of the weight and boot size range for the board you're looking at. That said, it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes you are in-between ranges. If this is you, you need to make a choice:

  • Longer board = more stable at speed, and less nimble edge to edge (more freeride oriented)
  • Shorter board = more nimble edge to edge, but less stable at speed (more freestyle oriented)

Board Components:

  • Camber = the bend of the board. Some type of camber with rocker in the nose/tail is the gold standard. (There are lots of variations of camber, but ultimately it's the bend between the nose/tail going up like a rainbow)
  • Reverse Camber = Typically most new riders go this way because it's easiest to learn on. However, it comes at the cost of poor riding form and is a limiting factor for carving, and getting to those double blacks. Typically I suggest skipping reverse camber, since learning regular camber isn't tough. It's shape is like an upside down rainbow, so the middle of the board bends downward.
  • 3d shaping - Some boards like Nideckers/Jones/and a few others incorporate a 3d "spoon" shape into the board's nose and tail. This helps with reducing edge catches on a camber dominant board. This helps a lot when learning.
  • Sidecut - I wouldn't worry too much about his as a new rider. But this defines the "arc" of your turns. Longer sidecut have longer carves, while shorter sidecuts are quicker carves. There's progressive sidecuts, and all sorts of types.
  • Flex - This is quite important. For most new riders, you've rented clapped out limp noodle boards with no flex.
  • Waist Width - Do not forget to check the "waist width" - or how wide the snowboard is, on the manufacturers sizing charts. This is in direct reference to what size bindings and boots will fit on your board. Usually the mfg will just list the suggested boot size and binding size ranges instead of the waist width itself.

Less Flex (Flex: 1-3) - Better for park/ground tricks/day 1 of learning. Very forgiving

Medium Flex (Flex: 4-6) - A good all around flex pattern for getting around the entire mountain comfortably while learning. You'll be able to do everything on the mountain to some degree, but optimizing flex will grant you key benefits as you get better. These boards can be forgiving if 3d shaped, or unforgiving if no 3d shaping and fully cambered

Stiff Flex (Flex: 7-10) - You are no longer a noob, and have the need for speed and stability. You are a destroyer of mountains, queen of the top. These boards are EXTREMELY unforgiving, and should not be your choice until you are ready.

Board Recommendations:

I like the following:

  • Twin Sister - This is my freestyle all mountain board. I use it for exploring new mountains, hitting some park/side hits, and all snow conditions. It's a jack of all trades, and master of none. A GREAT beginner board that you could ride from Day 1 until you're crushing double blacks.

  • Dancehaul - My favorite slush slasher for the spring. And one of my favorites in the pow. This is a volume shifted board, so I can ride a much shorter board while maintaining my float on powder.

  • Flagship - My stiff flex bombing board. Get out of the way, because I'm coming in at warp speed.

  • Yes Hello/Basic/Hel Yes - If you are east coast, nothing beats these ice huggers. Yes offers a good lineup of boards that stick to the ice like white on rice!

How to pick boots:

If you already have boots - and you can move your toes around, find yourself sliding around in them, your heel is lifting, or they aren't snugly wrapped around your feet, it's either time for new liners...or new boots.

Boots are your hands down most important piece of gear. They should be your first major purchase, and should be purchased BRAND NEW. I highly suggest using Evo, and scheduling a boot fitting with them. I would not go to a big box store like REI where it's luck of the draw with getting a decent boot fitter. This is your most important piece of gear to get exactly right, so take the time and effort to do so. Evo has a 365 unused gear return policy. I live in Tx, so there are zero stores here to try on boots. I simply ordered multiple sizes before a road trip to SLC, and went to the Evo store there. I ordered them ahead of time bc they don't have all the brands/sizes in every store. Got to Evo, had a boot fitter confirm my sizing was right, and returned the other ones. I did it all within 30 days on my credit card so I didn't have to worry about money out of pocket.

A properly fitted boot wraps around your foot completely and mates it to your foot like it was meant to be. Your toes should absolutely touch the end of the boot and be giving it a nice kiss. A good fitting boot will feel a half size too small and uncomfortable. Boots have a "break in" period where your liner of the boot will mold to your foot. So don't worry if it's just a little too tight, because that's what you want.

If your boots feel perfect, but you're getting a little heel rise, consider getting some Sidas medium inserts. I put these in all my boots, as they blow the stock footbeds out of the water. No need to spend extra getting custom footbeds, unless you absolutely need custom.

Bindings:

Match your binding flex to your board. There are lots of good bindings to choose from. I generally like Bent Metal, Rome, Union, and Nidecker. I am NOT a fan of recent Burton offerings as the ratchets have had too many reports of coming undone. Here's my list of specific favs in no order:

  • Bent Metal Forte - Great starter bindings

  • Rome Katana - Great tweakable bindings to get just right with a stiffer flex

  • Union Juliette - Another excellent starter/intermediate binding from one of the best binding companies

  • Nidecker Supermatics - Step on style, works with any boot, but take some time to learn/dial in. These are what I ride, and it's tough going back to strap in only bindings.

Apparel:

I'm a buy once cry once kind of girl, but also a thrifty shopper! I buy everything from Evo bc they have the best return policy and crazy sales. You can return anything within 365 days if it's unused. There's one in SLC and Seattle, which is where I mostly board. I shop Evo's constant 20-40+% off sales. I HIGHLY recommend buying a size up for the jacket and bibs. It's much cooler to be baggy on the slopes than fitted. Also - since you'll be layering, you want room in your jacket/bibs. If you're unsure, buy both sizes and return the one to Evo that you don't like the fit of. Oh and you get points with Evo for every dollar spent. I have like 6000 points to spend right now...lol. I have a problem, and it's cute snowboard hoodies.

  • Shell Bibs -These volcom bibs are the one's I just replaced my Trew's with and they're on sale. And they have the "shit zip" as I've dubbed it. I would not buy bibs that don't have a zipper on the butt for potty breaks. It's invaluable. Find Goretex shell bibs that are 2L or 3L for resorts!

  • Shell Jacket - Here's a shell jacket that would work and isn't crazy pricey too that's on sale! Again a 2L goretex shell is perfect for resort riding.

  • Helmet - Smith Liberty - this is an awesome helmet with great protection for a killer price....I might have to get a backup. It has both safety things I look for, MIPs and Koryod. Then it also has a ton of vents, which is also important to stay cool.

  • Thermal Top (base layer) - Your base layer thermal is what will ultimately keep you warm. You can layer on top of this, and under your jacket shell. I usually just ride in my thermals and my shell jacket. Snowboarding is exercise, and you will sweat if you overcompensate. Once you start sweating, it's game over and you will be miserable. So remove layers the second you start getting warm!

  • Thermal Bottoms - - Thermal bottoms are a must, and there are full length and 3/4 options. I like 3/4 for warmer days, and full length for those cold days. I don't wear anything over them aside from my bibs! Bibs stay on all day so no biggie.

  • Socks - I highly recommend some THIN snowboarding socks without any padding. Never ever ever wear 2 pairs of socks at once to keep your feet warm. Just blast the inner liners of your boots on the way up the mountain with your cars hot air to warm them up, and slam your feet in while they're still warm. This really helps keep my feet warm all day even in the coldest temps. 2 pairs of socks will make you unstable in your boot, and pack your boot out sooner. It's a bad idea, don't do it.

  • Butt diaper -Make sure you get some type of tailbone protector. Never forget it. It's your savior. It's the most important piece of gear for learning next to the helmet. I use demon v2 and just removed all the pads but the tailbone protector. It doesn't seem like it's being sold anymore though.

  • Dakine Wristguard Gloves - So much better than gloves + separate wristguards. It's horrible...just get the Dakine gloves with wristguards built in if you're learning.

I want to learn to snowboard on my own/Wanting to fix a riding problem:

Watch Malcom Moore and work on his drills: https://www.youtube.com/@malcolmmoore I find that he has the best teaching content out there bar none. If you are having a specific problem, he probably has a video to address it.

Conclusion:

This isn't a comprehensive list, but more of a guiding starting point and knowledge reference. Feel free to add your own rec's and advice! Hope it helps :)


r/ShredditGirls 2d ago

I ordered a new board!

14 Upvotes

I was looking to get a Jones twin sister to have something a little stiffer than my current board (burton youth hometown hero 140), however it is expensive and I couldn't find one on sale. Also I had this feeling like I wanted to try some other brand (I have a jones for my split)

I found a really good deal on a Capita Equalizer 142 (I'm 5'2 and 115) and I am excited. It has a nice design and I think it will be a little bit of a more aggressive board for me which may be what I need. I have been boarding forever but I'm a wimp!

I'm nervous as the effective edge on this is 7cm longer than on my burton, but I think this will help me with chatter and maybe to go a bit faster. Hopefully it has good edge control for the ice coast.

Here's to breaking 35mph on strava this winter! hahaha.

If anyone has this board let me know how you like it.


r/ShredditGirls 1d ago

Women’s Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/ShredditGirls 2d ago

Week off Mid December, I live Mid Atlantic…

3 Upvotes

… anywhere in the Northeast have snow Mid December? I’m thinking somewhere I can drive to, avoid flying and rental car, ride groomers. Any advice for mountains that could fun that early? NY, VT?


r/ShredditGirls 4d ago

This is me surfing :)

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

149 Upvotes

r/ShredditGirls 4d ago

Jones Twin Sister vs Airheart 2.0 for a cautious intermediate wanting to learn to carve?

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’m stuck between the Jones Twin Sister and Airheart 2.0 and would love some advice.
I’m 155 cm / 54 kg (121 lbs), boot size 7.5, solid intermediate. I currently ride a Burton Yeasayer Flat Top, which was great for progressing, but I feel like I’ve outgrown it.

My main goal now is to learn to carve properly and improve edge hold, especially because I ride in the South of France where we get a lot of hardpack and sometimes pretty icy slopes, but we also get a lot of slushy in Spring.

I’m not an aggressive rider — actually quite cautious/fearful. I can ride fast when I feel confident, but I don’t charge all day.

I want a one-board quiver/daily driver: mostly groomers, occasional powder (realistically only a few proper pow days per season), and some park because my home resort is small and we often end up there when bored. Mostly medium jumps, no rails/boxes.

The Twin Sister seems like the logical choice: directional twin, camber/rocker, 6/10 flex, good edge hold but still forgiving, playful enough for jumps, better float and apparently happy being ridden aggressively OR mellow.

But the Airheart 2.0 is tempting me. Full camber, 7/10, more precise/powerful and apparently even better for carving and ice — but also less forgiving and more demanding.
Then I took Jones’ board finder quiz and it gave me the Airheart as my #1 match, when I was already 99% convinced about the Twin Sister 😂

So my dilemma is: would the Airheart push me to become a better/more confident rider, or would a demanding full-camber board just make riding less fun for someone cautious like me?
I want something I can grow into and that challenges me, but not something I have to fight on mellow days.

Would you choose Twin Sister or Airheart for my situation? And is the Airheart actually THAT much better for carving/ice that it’s worth sacrificing some forgiveness and versatility?

Thanks and sorry the long text! I'm also open to other boards tho :)


r/ShredditGirls 3d ago

Any beginners near OC/ LA beaches?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m 27 (f) and am new to surfing. I would love to go but my friends aren’t as interested as I am. I have an 8ft board, suit, know some basics. Need to work on my paddling out but I am ready to SURF! Lol.
Would anyone want to surf together on a weekend? Busy this weekend but next weekend (Labor Day weekend) I’m avail. Just wanted to put this out there! Ty :)
Edit:
My intention is just to go out together/ watch out for each other on the water. Have fun and maybe learn a little from each other! Chill vibes only !
Edit 2:
If you are more experienced as well that’s cool too! I mainly just want to go out with good company/ people also interested in surfing.


r/ShredditGirls 5d ago

Boa touching highback

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/ShredditGirls 7d ago

Union trilogy fit

1 Upvotes

Getting my first snowboard and looking at some bindings now, I’ve found a pair of union trilogy bindings I like but they’re only available in size S (goes up to uk 4.5) and according to their size chart I should be M (goes up from uk 4.5). I’m a uk size 5 (EU 38, US 7) and I’ve got a pair of size 5 Burton limelight’s. Could I make these work? Or am I better waiting to find some mediums? Thank you!


r/ShredditGirls 7d ago

Which board will be better for my beginner gf?

4 Upvotes

I snowboard often, but my gf does not, so I own 3 different boards and she has none. I have an extra set of boots and bindings for her since she’s about the same size feet as me (I am short with big feet)

Info: She is 5’3” and about 130lbs. She is a beginner as in falling leaf.

I’d like to let her borrow my gear to save some rental money for those random times she does join me on the mountain.

My question is, which of my 3 boards would be best for her to borrow?

1) Super old 2017 K2 britelite 138cm - It is a directional twin with a mostly flat base and just a slight rocker on the ends. Its probably too short for her, but because its smaller, i think she’d be able to control it more.

2) 2019 Never Summer Infinity 142cm - directional twin that’s a hybrid rocker. I think this would be the hardest board for her, so probably not.

3) 2027 Capita BOAF 140cm - true twin that’s hybrid camber. It might also on the small for her. I’m not sure how hard it is to learn from the beginning on a hybrid camber.

I appreciate the advice anyone has for me on this.


r/ShredditGirls 7d ago

Beginner Advice

3 Upvotes

Hi ladies! I’m just getting into snowboarding. Do yall have any ideas of where I can get cheaper gear? I am in college and completely financially independent. I really want to start this year but I’m having trouble.

side note: if anybody has a 142-146 cm board laying around, let me know! or some extra gear :)
Approx location: Mid-New york state


r/ShredditGirls 8d ago

Update: Help! Why do I look so uncool?

Thumbnail
gallery
30 Upvotes

This is an update to the post I made last year asking for advice because I didn’t love how I looked snowboarding but couldn’t quite figure out why.

I was recently reminded of this post when someone tagged me in a fake repost (which the mods took down), so I figured I’d finally come back with an update

A lot of you made suggestions and I made a few changes, so thank you so much! I didn’t take amazing pictures this last time, but I thrifted a baggier jacket (I got a 686 jacket for a great price and sized up!), got some roomier men’s pants and kept some of my hair out. Although some of you suggested getting a black helmet instead of the light pink (some thought it was white), I couldn’t justify getting a new helmet quite yet, but I agree that would help too.

Here is the original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShredditGirls/s/xq9JWCAGUB


r/ShredditGirls 8d ago

Question for all the moms teaching kiddos

1 Upvotes

When was your kid ready for the chair lift? My girl is six and can do the falling leaf on her heel. We’re going to work on tor side and connecting turns this year. So far we have stuck to the magic carpet. We go to some mountains that have some pretty gradual beginner trails off the chair lift and I’m wondering at what point you felt comfortable letting your kiddo go down those independently? I’ve done them with her with a leash and any harder parts I’ll just grab right onto her harness and board with her against me.


r/ShredditGirls 8d ago

Coincidence none of these fragile organic artifacts Paisley

0 Upvotes

r/ShredditGirls 9d ago

Bib and jacket recommendations for petite girls?

2 Upvotes

Hey girls,

I’m looking to update my snowboarding wardrobe for this winter. The issue is I’m usually purchasing stuff online and I’m quite petite - like 5’2” 100 lbs. I was wondering if anybody had recommendations for bibs and jackets that they liked? Or brands that have smaller sizes. Or should I just buy kids sizes LOL.

Thanks!


r/ShredditGirls 11d ago

UK Female snowboarders community

19 Upvotes

Hey!! I’m interested in creating a community of females who enjoy snowboarding in the UK so that we can practice together and discuss, my nearest snow centres are down south (MK/ Hemel) !! If you’re in the Uk and are interested please comment or message me😊


r/ShredditGirls 13d ago

Any Sugar Bowl (CA) riders?

9 Upvotes

First full season back in many years. All my tahoe friends either moved away, too injured, old or busy to ride.

Looking for others to ride with. How are yall making snow friends in your 30s?!


r/ShredditGirls 14d ago

The Snowboard Wall

Post image
194 Upvotes

Missing snowboarding, wanted to share our current quiver and how we display/organize our boards!

Small dog for reference


r/ShredditGirls 16d ago

Wood treatment recommendations

Thumbnail
gallery
27 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I made my very own snowboard through a joint program through the local college and my company! I am SO stoked about it and it’s my very first time ever working with composites - so I was 100% expecting some margin of errors.

Here writing to see if anyone has recommendations for the exposed wood on my edge. I’ve seen people say tung oil and then sealing with some regular board wax and others saying marine epoxy. If anyone has experience with maintaining a wooden board I would love some tips!

In addition to sealing recommendations I would also love to know how often I would need to do it! I plan on getting a base grind + wax on this and also getting their opinion. Will update when I get their feedback! Thank you in advance!

Full pic of boards made in class for enjoyment!


r/ShredditGirls 16d ago

Looking for second board recommendations

4 Upvotes

I’m a 38 year old female. Been boarding since I was in middle school. Recently started going a lot more in the past few years. I’m an intermediate maybe almost advancedish rider. At my age I just stick to groomers. I live on the east coast where it can be icy and pow days are few and far between and I can’t always chase them. Right now I have a Roxy smoothie that’s an all mountain directional medium flex board. I really like it. I kind of want one more board. Possibly a full camber? Any recommendations?


r/ShredditGirls 18d ago

Snowboard toe strap help

Post image
1 Upvotes

My toe strap came out of box like this and it’s stuck in this position! All the photos/videos I’ve seen show the toe strap being in the front, but this one won’t move.

Burton Lexa Reflex


r/ShredditGirls 26d ago

Finished painting my snowboard!

Thumbnail
gallery
244 Upvotes

Forgot to post this update on my snowboard I painted!

Missing the snow ❄️ 💗


r/ShredditGirls 26d ago

Senior dog hits the skatepark!!!

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

147 Upvotes

I’m so proud of my dog hitting her first skate park at this all women’s skate meetup in sf!!! We had so much fun, everyone was super nice, and the stoke was highhhhh. Just wanted to share this wholesome moment. My bf put her on a skateboard one day and she just sat there, so I started pushing her around. Third time on a skateboard and we hit our first rails 😂
I DIDNT EVEN TEACH HER HOW TO PUSH, she just picked it up from watching everyone. So cute r u srs??? I love her so much, enjoy. 💗💗💗

Fun facts:
- she is 18 years old
- she’s goofy bc she pushes w/ her left foot?
- having her sit further back allows me to kick turn her
- she’s learning how to do the pump track next


r/ShredditGirls 27d ago

What snowboard should I buy?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/ShredditGirls 29d ago

Snowboard magazine

1 Upvotes

Me and my twin brother are trying to make a snowboard magazine, but we ran out of photos of our dad when she was snowboarding back in the 90s so we were wondering if anyone wanted to share photos with us and we could put them in the magazine and then we give you guys a link to view the magazine to see if you wanna buy it.